Crudup Gets Nod As Berlin's Backup

Hurricanes - The Beat

Expect Derrick Crudup to be Brock Berlin's replacement if Miami's starting quarterback struggles or gets injured during the season-opener against Florida State.

Even though the Hurricanes have classified Crudup and Kyle Wright as co-backups to Berlin, Coach Larry Coker said Crudup's steady performance this fall, the poise he's shown running Miami's offense and his game experience have given him the edge over Wright, a redshirt freshman who is viewed as the future of the team.

"I feel a lot better about Derrick as our No. 2 right now," Coker said. "Kyle is coming along but if the game were today and you ask me to put the No. 2 in I'd put Derrick in. He's making fewer mistakes and is running the offense better. "

Crudup, a senior who has spent four years as Miami's primary backup, starting only one game in his career, took most of the snaps with the second-team offense last week, and said his "calmness" has been the difference in his play.

"I expect great things out of myself," said Crudup.

LEGGETT MOVING UP

True freshman Lance Leggett has steadily worked his way up Miami's depth chart to become the second-team split end receiver, surpassing sophomore Akieem Jolla .

INJURY UPDATE

Both Roscoe Parrish (knee) and Ryan Moore (hamstring), UM's two starting receivers, participated in all of Sunday's practice and showed no signs of being slowed by their injuries. . . . OG Tony Tella (back/knee) participated in practice on a limited basis.